Legendary American singer-songwriter Don McLean is set to return to Australia this October, marking more than 55 years since the release of his defining composition, American Pie. Ahead of the tour, McLean confided in Australian Musician editor Greg Phillips in regard to his enduring career, his songwriting philosophy and what audiences can expect from his upcoming live shows in Australia. McLean told us there will be no more new albums and probably no more new songs but he won’t stop touring.
MORE ABOUT THE INTERVIEW
While American Pie remains his most significant work, McLean speaks about it with both pride and perspective, describing it as the most important song he has written and one that stands apart in popular music. At the same time, he maintains a strong connection to his broader catalogue, noting that each song holds its own meaning depending on its construction and intent. The song’s themes, he suggests, remain just as relevant today, shaped by a cyclical view of history in which political unrest and human conflict continue to repeat.
McLean’s live performances reflect that same sense of spontaneity and depth. Rather than relying on a fixed setlist, he approaches each show as a unique experience, drawing from a vast repertoire of songs and allowing stories to emerge organically. His concerts are as much about storytelling as they are about music, often weaving in personal anecdotes, from encounters with figures like former CIA Director David Petraeus to reflections on how his anti-war song “The Grave” was championed by George Michael.
Now 81, McLean remains actively touring, though he has made it clear that his creative output has reached its conclusion. He says he no longer writes songs or plans to record new albums, believing he has already said everything he wants to express artistically. Touring, however, continues to bring him joy, with a schedule of shorter runs that allow him to balance performing with travel and personal time.
The upcoming Australian tour aligns with the 55th anniversary of American Pie, though McLean himself is characteristically candid about such milestones, downplaying the significance of the number while acknowledging that the shows will deliver strong performances. Audiences can expect to hear not only American Pie, but also enduring classics such as Vincent (Starry, Starry Night), Castles in the Air and And I Love You So, presented with the warmth and clarity that have defined his live performances for decades.
Musically, McLean remains rooted in tradition. A lifelong devotee of C. F. Martin & Company guitars, he continues to favour their tone and simplicity, reflecting his broader approach to music, focused, unembellished and driven by songcraft. His views on technology are similarly pragmatic: while he appreciates the precision digital recording offers, particularly in mixing, his career was built in an era of raw, live performance without modern conveniences.
McLean sees his concerts as a shared experience, aiming to strike a balance that leaves audiences satisfied, having heard neither too much nor too little, but just enough. As he brings his music back to Australia this October, the tour offers both longtime fans and new listeners the opportunity to reconnect with a body of work that has become deeply embedded in popular culture.
TOUR DATES
Sat, Oct 10: Savannah In The Round Festival, Mareeba FNQ
Mon, Oct 12: Fortitude Music Hall, Brisbane
Wed, Oct 14: The Star Theatre, Gold Coast
Sat, Oct 17: Coliseum Theatre, Western Sydney
Sun, Oct 18: WIN Entertainment Centre, Wollongong
Mon, Oct 19: State Theatre, Sydney
Wed, Oct 21: Palais Theatre, Melbourne
Fri. Oct 23: Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide